Heirlooms in Bali are found in the forms of magically powerful weapons (pajenengan) such as dagger (kris), spears (tumbak), whips (pecut), etc; palm leaves manuscripts (lontar); metal plates inscribe with a piece of sacred text on various themes (prasasti); jewelries; rare coins and precious stones. Some Balinese also consider various kinds of poisons (cetik), their antidotes (usada cetik), potion (lelengisan), pieces of various rare woods that are believed to be imbued with magical power and parts of rare animals as heirlooms.

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Alam Shanti is located in secluded settings behind the Monkey Forest of Ubud, the arts and cultural center of Bali. Alam Shanti (peaceful nature) is located in Nyuh Kuning Village between sister hotel Alam Indah and Alam Jiwa.

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Religious ceremony of Bali which is portrayed as a pompous celebration, full of festivity, beautiful decorations and lavish offerings by the travel guide book just a small piece of truth of the nature of Balinese religious ceremony. A Balinese religious does not have to be pompous, and full of festivity but it have to be suited to the financial condition of the family which hold the ceremony.

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Balinese Hinduism nowadays is fighting a negative stigma “ritual without essence” in religious practices in Bali. Balinese do their religion, attend ritual, and hold temple anniversary or countless other ceremonies without any knowledge on the meaning of these rituals. In sort, Balinese practice their religion without sufficient understanding on what they are practiced.

There is a great gap in the understanding of religion between the young and the old. The young which have tasted the knowledge of western logic begin to ask ‘why’; “why we do this ceremony?”; “what is the meaning of that ritual?”; “what is the significant of that offering?” etc. the old which almost have no interest in doctrine, or generalized interpretation of the religion, give unsatisfactory answer “that’s just the way it is” to the persistent questions of the young. And still uncomprehending Balinese attending temple rituals and relying on priests to tell them what to do.

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A Tribute to Anak Agung Gde Mandera and Gusti Made Sengog
The Greatest Legong Teachers and Musician of Peliatan, Bali

As the title suggest, this event is to commemorate two great Legong teachers from Peliatan that is Anak Agung Mandera and Gusti Made Sengog.

Pupils, who had the great opportunity being trained by Anak Agung Mandera and Gusti Biang Sengog in the past, wish to show their sincere love, gratitude and thanks for the best time and experiences received during the process of learning and performing, by arranging a very special event as a tribute to both great teachers.

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The monkey business in Bali is far from dishonesty or silly behavior; it is an honest, profitable business which involves monkeys, humans, and surrounding environment for the benefit of human, monkey and environment.

The Balinese monkey business can be found at Monkey Forest in Ubud, Sangeh monkey sanctuary in Badung regency and Alas Kedaton in Tabanan regency. In these monkey sanctuaries, Balinese work hand in hand with the monkeys to preserve the surrounding forest, maintain the forest temple, provide revenue for the village, occupations for the villagers and protection for the monkeys.

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